Kweisi Mfume, U.S. Congressman representing Maryland’s 7th district and a Baltimore native, used his social media platform to criticize House Republicans for their role in the recent government shutdown and its impact on health care.
On September 30, 2025, Mfume posted: “House Republicans didn’t show up to work today. Their absence makes it clear that they would rather shut down the government than address the health care crisis they have inflicted on our communities far and wide.”
The following morning, October 1, he highlighted the local consequences of the shutdown: “Thousands of hard-working federal employees in Maryland’s 7th Congressional District woke up this morning to learn whether they were furloughed or required to work without pay. This shutdown was entirely avoidable. Democrats in Washington remain ready, willing and able to”
Later that day, Mfume attributed responsibility for the shutdown to political opponents: “With full control of the House, the Senate, and the White House, this shutdown falls solely on the shoulders of Trump and MAGA Republicans, who refuse to protect Americans’ health care.”
Mfume has represented Maryland’s 7th district in Congress since 2020 after succeeding Elijah Cummings. He previously served in the Maryland House of Representatives from 1987 to 1996. Born in Baltimore in 1948 and currently residing there at age 74, Mfume is an alumnus of Morgan State University.
